Marianne Martinez
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The air fryer's ability to crisp up the outside of the meat while keeping the inside tender and moist has made it a popular cooking method for this particular cut of pork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer Temperature | 380°F - 400°F (200°C) |
| Preheat Temperature | 380°F - 400°F (200°C) |
| Preheat Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 18-26 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F (63°C) |
| Rest Time | 3-10 minutes |
| Seasonings | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne, dried thyme, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, chili powder |
| Oil | Olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it help your food cook more evenly, but it also ensures that your pork tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature of 145°F, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
To preheat your air fryer, simply set the temperature to 400°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This is the ideal temperature for cooking pork tenderloin, as it allows the meat to cook thoroughly without drying it out. At 400°F, you can expect your pork tenderloin to be cooked in around 20-22 minutes, depending on its size.
During the preheating process, you can prepare your pork tenderloin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin and coating it with olive oil. This helps the spice rub adhere better to the meat. Speaking of spice rubs, this is also a great time to mix your dry ingredients. A typical spice rub for pork tenderloin includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for a little extra heat.
Once the air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin inside and set the timer for 20-22 minutes. Remember, the key to juicy and delicious pork tenderloin is reaching that internal temperature of 145°F without overcooking the meat. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your pork tenderloin, and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
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Cook the pork tenderloin for 20-22 minutes
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this meat. The air fryer's circulating air acts like a convection oven, giving the outside of the pork an even browning as the interior cooks to the perfect temperature.
After preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, carefully place the pork tenderloin into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork for 20-22 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your pork tenderloin. For a small-sized tenderloin, 20 minutes should be sufficient, while a larger piece of meat may need the full 22 minutes. You can also cut the tenderloin in half to ensure it fits in the air fryer, but this will require cooking in two batches.
During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip the tenderloin halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. You can check the temperature at the halfway point and add more time as needed. The internal temperature of the pork tenderloin should reach 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender.
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Check the internal temperature is 145°F
Checking the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin is a crucial step in ensuring it is cooked properly. Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the centre of the meat to get an accurate reading. The USDA recommends that pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed, making the meat safe to eat.
When checking the temperature, it is important to target the thickest part of the meat, as this will be the last part to reach the desired temperature. If the pork has not yet reached 145°F, return it to the air fryer and cook in short intervals, checking the temperature each time until it reaches the desired temperature.
Once the pork has reached 145°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This is an important step, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and juicy tenderloin. The meat will continue to cook during this resting period, and the temperature will rise a few more degrees, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time.
Checking the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin is a simple but essential step in ensuring your meat is cooked perfectly. By following these steps, you can be confident that your pork is safe to eat and will be juicy and tender.
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Let the pork rest for 5 minutes
Once the pork tenderloin is cooked, it's important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender. Depending on the size of the tenderloin, you should let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes, but ideally between 5 and 10 minutes.
During this resting period, the internal temperature of the pork will rise a few more degrees. This is important because, according to the USDA, whole cuts of pork are safe to consume when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. By letting the meat rest, you ensure that the pork reaches this temperature and is safe to eat.
Additionally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with the pork tenderloin. For example, you can spoon the juices that collect during the resting period over the sliced meat for extra flavour and moisture.
Finally, the resting period allows the meat to relax and firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. This is especially important if you want to present the pork tenderloin in neat slices rather than shredding it.
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Seasoning options
You can also add chili powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the mix for a spicier kick. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work, and you can add a little honey to the mix for extra flavor. Dijon mustard is another option to add to your spice rub, along with a little extra honey.
If you're looking for a more herby flavor, dried parsley can be added to the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika mix. This will create a different flavor profile, but one that still works well with the pork.
The key to a great pork tenderloin in the air fryer is the rub, which, when cooked, creates a flavorful crust. The brown sugar is a popular addition, but it can be omitted for a sugar-free option.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer at 400°F.
The cooking time depends on the size of the tenderloin. It can take anywhere between 18 to 26 minutes.
According to the USDA, whole cuts of pork are safe to consume when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and then allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin.
It is recommended to let the pork tenderloin rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender.
